By BBC Eye Investigations and BBC Bangla

A leaked phone recording, authenticated by BBC Eye, suggests that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally authorized a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in 2024. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to a civil service quota system, escalated into a mass movement that ultimately ousted Hasina from power after 15 years.

In the verified audio, Hasina is heard directing security forces to “use lethal weapons” and to shoot protesters “wherever they find [them].” The call, which reportedly occurred on 18 July 2024, came at a pivotal moment as nationwide demonstrations surged, especially in Dhaka.

The call has since become central evidence in a war crimes case against Hasina, who is currently being tried in absentia by Bangladesh’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICT) for crimes against humanity. Hasina fled to India during the height of the unrest and continues to deny all charges. Her political party, the Awami League, has rejected the recording’s implications, claiming it shows no intent of disproportionate action.

According to UN investigators, as many as 1,400 people were killed during the 36-day wave of protests, making it the bloodiest period in Bangladesh since its 1971 war of independence. The most violent day occurred on 5 August, when Hasina fled her official residence via helicopter just before demonstrators stormed the compound.

The BBC’s investigation uncovered that at least 52 people were killed by police that day in Jatrabari, Dhaka—far higher than initial reports of 30 deaths. Using verified video, CCTV footage, and eyewitness accounts, BBC Eye determined that the police opened fire without restraint after army troops withdrew from the area.

Hasina’s phone call, according to sources, took place from her official residence, Ganabhaban. Audio experts consulted by the BBC, including forensics firm Earshot, found no signs of tampering or synthetic manipulation in the recording. The Bangladesh Police’s Criminal Investigation Department has also voice-matched the recording to Hasina.

Despite the evidence, the Awami League continues to deny that its leaders orchestrated any unlawful violence. A party spokesperson claimed decisions made at the time were “proportionate” and “intended to minimise loss of life.”

However, 203 individuals—ranging from former ministers to senior police officials—have now been indicted, with 73 currently in custody. Bangladesh Police confirmed that 60 officers have been arrested for their roles in the deadly suppression of protests.

The leaked audio is one of many recordings believed to have been made by Bangladesh’s National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC), a state agency tasked with surveillance of communications. While several calls have surfaced online since the unrest, only a few have been authenticated.

Sheikh Hasina’s trial began last month. She faces charges that include mass murder, conspiracy, and incitement to violence. The Bangladeshi government has requested her extradition from India, but New Delhi has yet to comply. Legal experts say it is unlikely she will voluntarily return to face the tribunal.

Since Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh has been under the control of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, which is preparing for fresh national elections. It remains uncertain whether the Awami League will be permitted to participate in the upcoming vote.